LeBron James Keeps Teams Guessing as Cavaliers Emerge as Favorite for 22-Time All-Star
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 6
LeBron James Keeps Teams Guessing as Cavaliers Emerge as Favorite for 22-Time All-Star
2 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 6
Summary
Cleveland has emerged as the team to beat for LeBron James, even as league executives say most clubs still have heard nothing directly from his camp after his Lakers exit.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said teams are "in the dark" in a pattern similar to James' past free agencies, when finalists often learned his decision only at the last moment.
Rich Paul has told ESPN that all but three teams reached out, while Marc Stein said Denver, Miami, Philadelphia and Minnesota still believe they remain in the mix.
James is expected to sign for well below the $52.6 million he made in 2025-26, widening the field and fueling speculation that Cleveland could also make room for Bronny James.
With no clear timetable and little direct contact, the next phase of James' free agency may produce more waiting than concrete updates.